A New Way of Quality Assurance

Even during the corona quarantine, we at QASS continue to pursue the goal of inspiring you with new technology! A paradigm shift to a more diverse product world with even better measurement technology has taken place! Digitalization and maximum user-friendliness are as always at the heart of our activities. Learn more about our latest measurement technology products, get to know our smart graphical user interface and let us convince you of our future-oriented concepts for measurement data handling.

Our measuring system is nowadays applied in a variety of production processes, such as straightening, component assembly, or plastic injection molding. In 2016, we have also added magnetic-inductive methods to our portfolio with which component hardness and density as well as grinding burn and heat treatment defects can be detected in a non-destructive manner. A unique feature of our measurement technology is that we can also monitor production processes that are hidden from the user’s view. We achieve this by using acoustic and micromagnetic signals such as structure-borne noise or Barkhausen noise to monitor manufacturing processes or to perform quality tests. A good example is our latest application that allows you to monitor the snap-in process of retaining rings that occur inside components. We measure the characteristic, often inaudible acoustics of the snap-in process and can tell exactly if the retaining ring has snapped in successfully and without offset. Such snap-in processes are, for instance, used in the production of cardan or drive shafts. Our new measuring systems also monitor production processes without damaging the measured components. Thanks to our unique method, in crack detection during straightening of hardened steel shafts we are now market leader. Also our material testing method using Barkhausen noise works non-destructively.

The analysis software runs on the basis of small programs (operators) which are combined to form analysis chains. With our software, a complex flow of production data can be transformed into clear calculations. Our way of data flow analysis also offers the possibility to simultaneously examine and combine data from several sensors. Our universal and flexible analysis software acts like a chameleon and can be quickly and easily adapted to your production. Integration of our measurement technology into your production processes is therefore accelerated by a factor of 50!

Simple access to measurement data and evaluation is a matter of course for us. Therefore, you can adjust the information displayed on the graphical user interface with only a few clicks. You have a wide range of options: You can, for example, combine measurement diagrams with live images from your production, or insert component models into the database and display them. Measurement data from one, two or more sensors can also be visualized simultaneously.

Sensor fusion involves the simultaneous examination of signals from different sensors to gain insights into production. Our measuring system Optimizer4D serves as a common interface for different sensors and combines their data. Sensor fusion provides unique added value. By combining multiple sensor data you gain additional information to optimize your production.

Thanks to our new software concept, we are able to reduce the installation time of our measurement technology to your production process to a minimum. As a result, our measurement technology is immediately ready for use in a wide variety of manufacturing processes.

Hardened steel shafts are straightened to avoid concentricity errors. During the straightening process micro cracks, cracks inside the component, or very small cracks that reclose on the surface can occur, which all can lead to shaft failure under load. These cracks are only reliably detectable with QASS‘ structure-borne sound analysis and cannot be revealed by methods such as dye penetrant testing or fluxing. With our new adaptive measurement and analysis concept including the freely customizable graphical user interface, we have further improved our crack detection application.

In component assembly, processes such as the snap-in of securing elements, pressing or cold welding of components are carried out. In contrast to conventional force-displacement measurement, structure-borne sound analysis with the Optimizer4D allows for qualitative assessment of component quality: Was friction between the components high enough, or was the hidden snap-in process of the securing elements successful?

Also, in the field of plastic injection molding, users testify that the Optimizer4D significantly improves tool life. The Optimizer4D continuously checks against the optimal production conditions. It detects even the smallest change in the production process, such as the exact duration of the injection and cooling phase or the movement of each slider. Through the comparison against optimal conditions it is possible to carry out micro maintenance services directly when needed. In this way, users can maintain optimal production conditions and prevent major tool damages.

With our micromagnetic material testing technology based on Barkhausen noise, we offer a non-destructive method for various problems related to component hardness. In this area, too, we have achieved advantages for the user with our new measurement programming and the new graphical user interface.

QASS will continue to provide versatile solutions in the future and expand the range of possible applications for its unique measurement technology. We will shortly be completing groundbreaking advances to our measuring systems which will allow to extend service life of plastic injection molding tools. In the field of micromagnetic material testing, we have developed a generalised measuring method for hardness and density testing, so that these testing methods can be applied to a wide range of parts in the future. Also, in other application areas we continuously work on improving our measurement technology and data analysis capabilities. So, you can expect new products from us in the near future also for other processes.